Assane Sarr heroics send Senegal into U-17 AFCON final after Morocco shootout drama
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Senegal reached the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, after beating hosts Morocco 7-6 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw in Rabat on Thursday night.
Goalkeeper Assane Sarr was the hero for the Young Lions of Teranga, producing crucial saves in a tense shootout at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium to end Morocco’s hopes of winning the title on home soil.
Senegal will now face Tanzania in the final after the East Africans also defeated Egypt on penalties earlier in the day to complete one of the most dramatic semi-final days in the history of the competition.
For Morocco, it was a painful exit after they had forced their way back into the contest deep into stoppage time through Ismail El Aoud’s penalty rebound.
The young Atlas Lions appeared to have rescued themselves from elimination when El Aoud reacted quickest after his initial spot-kick was saved by Sarr, scoring from the rebound in the ninth minute of added time to make it 1-1 and send the home crowd into wild celebration.
But Senegal, who had defended with discipline for most of the match, held their nerve in the shootout to move within one victory of the continental title.
The Young Lions had made the stronger statement in the first half, taking the lead in the 23rd minute after good work from Commissaire Faye on the right.
Faye’s effort was parried by the Moroccan goalkeeper, but Mouhamed Wagne reacted sharply inside the box to finish from close range and put Senegal ahead.
It was a goal that rewarded Senegal’s directness and energy in attack, while also punishing a moment of hesitation in the Moroccan defence.
Morocco tried to respond before the break and thought they had equalised in the 41st minute when Adam Al-Laki found the net, but the effort was ruled out after a VAR review.
That moment increased the frustration for the hosts, who had started with attacking intent but struggled to break down a compact Senegalese side.
In the second half, Morocco increased the pressure, pushing more players forward and forcing Senegal to defend deeper.
Amine Moustach went close with an effort in the 62nd minute, before Brahim Rabaj threatened again in the 74th minute as the Atlas Lions searched for a way back into the match.
Senegal, however, remained organised and appeared to be heading for victory in normal time until the late penalty changed the direction of the contest.
A handball by Cheikh Dieng gave Morocco the chance to equalise, and although Sarr saved El Aoud’s first attempt, the Moroccan midfielder followed up to score from the rebound.
The equaliser forced a penalty shootout full of tension, missed chances and goalkeeping drama.
Morocco goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi gave his side hope with saves of his own, but Sarr responded with decisive interventions for Senegal.
With both teams trading successful penalties and mistakes, the shootout stretched deep into sudden death before Senegal finally prevailed 7-6.
The result continues Senegal’s impressive run in the tournament and confirms their reputation as one of Africa’s strongest youth football nations.
For Morocco, the defeat will be difficult to accept after they showed character to fight back so late in front of their own supporters.
But for Senegal, it was a night of courage, composure and goalkeeping brilliance.
The Young Lions survived the pressure, silenced the home crowd and booked their place in the U-17 AFCON final, where Tanzania now stand between them and the trophy.
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